Dast News
"By joining Foundation DaST, you become part of a global network of change agents, working together to drive positive transformation in our communities and our world."
Future Perfect
“Sustainable development has to be looked at from a global and integrated perspective or it will be doomed to fall into the contradictions among the excessive specializations. The conceptual structure that thermodynamics grants when applied to Earth as a thermodynamic system, to the living being as a conserver of energy and to the social and economic activities are a domain that can also be examined in terms of energy and information fluxes, where the fundamental physical principles are valid and applicable, open up a whole new world of possibilities.” Frederic Coustols Imagine a future Portugal as strong a leader as that during the Age of Discoveries, as proud, as autonomous, as in control of it’s own destiny. It is all possible, the human ingenuity is always there, we must simply tap into it. But first we must shift our thinking a little. In a famous sketch, Pierre Desproges the French
Baruch Spinoza’s God
“Deus sive Natura — God or Nature” Baruch Spinoza When Einstein taught at many universities in the United States, a recurring question students often asked him was always the same: “Do you believe in God?” Einstein always gave the same answer: “I believe in Spinoza’s God.” For those who are unfamiliar with this, it might not mean much, as his thoughts and perspective remained consistent.Baruch Spinoza was an important philosopher who lived during the 17th century, at the height of rationalism. His philosophy is therefore deeply rooted in logic, to the point of identifying God with the geometric order of the world, which manifests in the perfection of nature.His perspective can be summarised in one of his most famous expressions: Deus sive Natura—God or Nature.Some suggest that Spinoza’s God might express these words: “Stop praying and beating your chest. Enjoy yourself, love, sing, and make the most of everything this
Towards a Sustainable Future
“Socialism collapsed because it did not allow the market to tell the economic truth. Capitalism may collapse because it does not allow the market to tell the ecological truth” Oystein Dahleformer Esso Vice Presidentfor Norway and the North Sea observed As Westerners, we are speeding along life’s superficial pathways, numbed by relentless advertising and reluctant to confront global issues because it would challenge our comfortable existence. Yet, true life is not in empty words or mindless entertainment but in action. Engaging in collective environmental restoration projects can rejuvenate both the planet and our sense of purpose, making us part of something enduring and generational. The rise of the Industrial Age brought Western society unprecedented ease, mobility, communication, and abundance, fostering an illusion of mastery over nature. This success, heavily promoted by global media, has set a benchmark that other countries strive to emulate, often unsustainably. However, the West’s lifestyle is
Context and Growth
“Let’s start telling the truth: competitiveness is a meaningless word when applied to national economies. And the obsession with competitiveness is both wrong and dangerous” Paul Krugman In the grand narrative of human history, economic progress has often been synonymous with exponential growth and technological advancement. However, as we approach a new era, the flaws in this growth-centric paradigm are becoming increasingly evident, casting shadows over planetary health and social cohesion. The relentless focus on competitiveness, as Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman noted, has proven both misguided and perilous, particularly as the Western welfare state becomes unsustainable. Historical trade practices and the ease of information dissemination have deepened global interconnectedness but also fostered dependency that has undermined traditional cultures and biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for a more balanced approach. To address these challenges, implementing a tax system that accurately reflects the environmental impact of imported goods is crucial. Such
Current Challenges
“Social apathy, characterized by a disengagement or indifference towards environmental issues, poses a significant obstacle to progress. It perpetuates a cycle of inaction, hindering efforts to address the pressing ecological crises we face” In our current landscape, we face pressing challenges that demand our immediate attention, spanning from societal apathy towards environmental concerns to the stark reality of our ecological footprint exceeding the planet’s capacity to sustain us. Social apathy, characterised by disengagement or indifference towards environmental issues, poses a significant obstacle to progress, perpetuating a cycle of inaction that hinders efforts to address the pressing ecological crises we face. The Living Planet Report 2022 reveals that humanity’s consumption and activities have pushed the Earth beyond its limits, surpassing its biocapacity by a staggering 75%. This overuse of resources not only threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems but also jeopardises the well-being of future generations. The need for action is
Need for Change
“Just as a captain refusing to alter course risks catastrophe, so too do we, by ignoring the need for systemic change” The imperative for change is undeniable, necessitating a fundamental course correction in our collective trajectory. It’s paramount to recognize the urgency of action, akin to a sea captain acknowledging the impending disaster and steering the ship away from perilous waters. This entails delving into the systemic issues underpinning ecological imbalance, which encompass economic, social, and regulatory dimensions. Just as a captain refusing to alter course risks catastrophe, so too do we, by ignoring the need for systemic change. Highlighting these systemic issues and the peril of refusing to change course underscores the critical importance of embracing transformative action for a sustainable future. Life is not found in empty words, or time blurred in the pursuit of mindless entertainment, but in action. Through collective projects of environmental restoration, one’s self
Agenda 21 & Global Efforts
“Through international initiatives and diverse sustainable development projects worldwide, the significance of local action within a global context is underscored. These efforts showcase the principles of sustainable development and highlight the power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change” Amidst pressing global challenges, collaborative frameworks like Agenda 21 and initiatives led by organizations such as the American Council for Sustainability and its Portuguese counterpart play a crucial role in advancing sustainability. Landmark urban development projects, including Davis, BedZed, Masdar City, and Hammarby-Sjostad, demonstrate the transformative potential of sustainable design in addressing the significant impacts of urbanization. With over 50% of the world’s population now residing in cities—a figure projected to exceed 70% within two decades—urban areas are pivotal in shaping energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Buildings alone account for 48% of global energy use, and urban transportation adds another 27%, underscoring the need for sustainable urban planning. The United Nations
DaST framework
“In the quest for sustainable solutions, we must transcend conventional paradigms and embrace holistic approaches” The DaST framework embodies this ethos, rooted in over three decades of dedicated efforts to restore and enhance the connections between landscapes, built environments, cultural heritage, and social habits. Our journey began with the rejuvenation of overlooked communities worldwide, from a 12th-century village in France to a historic district in Lisbon. Witnessing the neglect of cultural capital and misuse of natural resources, we embarked on a mission of research, restoration, and community engagement. Through this work, we recognize the intrinsic value of these spaces and their potential to shape a sustainable future.At DaST, sustainability extends beyond technological advancements to encompass a multidisciplinary approach. By bringing together fields like ecology, architecture, and economics, we aim to design holistic systems that harmonize with nature. Our inclusive approach has fostered collaboration across disciplines and cultural backgrounds, catalyzing transformative
